Cosham couple celebrate their '˜real love'

Mandy McKeown, 35, originally from Colchester first met Kerry Sterland, 45, when they worked together as carers. And their friendship blossomed.

'˜We worked all the time, but we had one day off a week and we would take our children on day trips together. We were some sort of double act,' laughs Kerry.

After realising their feelings for one another, the couple started dating in November 2016. And six months down the line, Mandy got down one knee.

'˜She proposed to me at home - it was the most beautiful day,' says Kerry, '˜it was just magical.'

Despite never being in same-sex relationships before, the couple were the happiest they had ever been.

Although the couple originally planned their wedding at the Queens Hotel, Southsea, it didn't work out.

'˜We only found out through the paper. We went in and had to cancel, leaving us with just six months to find another venue.'

'˜But Tournerbury Woods Estate in Hayling was a god send. The most beautiful venue. We just had to change our dates.'

So with the dresses bought, the guests invited and of course, the dates changed, Kerry and Mandy tied the knot on July 25, in front of all of their friends, family and children.

'˜It was an amazing atmosphere with all of our family there too,' said Mandy.

'˜The weather was absolutely glorious. It was the hottest day of the year,' added Kerry.

The brides got dressed separately before Mandy walked down the aisle first with her mum.

'˜And then I came around in the car and was given away by my 25-year-old son,' says Kerry, reminiscing.

'˜We decided to take my name as I had not been married before.'

It is obvious that the love between them is so genuine.

'˜I can finally say I have found my soulmate,' they both chime.

'˜See, we're so in sync,' Kerry laughs.

'˜She has shown me what real love is all about,' adds Mandy.

These fabulous photos are by Carla Mortimer Photography.